Celebrants review funeral numbers in advance to help keep people safe

Humanists UK are contacting celebrants to get them to confirm with families ahead of a funeral who will be attending, to comply with Government guidance and ensure safety.

In response to new guidance on funerals issued by the Government, including on funeral attendance, Humanists UK’s Head of Ceremonies Isabel Russo said: "The law stipulates that you can only leave your home to attend a funeral if it is for a member of your household, a close family member, or – if the deceased does not have either of these – then a friend may attend.

"To ensure people are kept safe and to prevent confusion around who can attend, we are telling our funeral celebrants to confirm, in advance, the list of close family members who plan to attend the funeral, to check the crematorium’s policy as maximum numbers allowed currently vary, and to reiterate to families the legal definition so that numbers can be reviewed before the day.

"We hope this will go some way in supporting families to make difficult decisions, and ensuring that numbers are kept at manageable levels to meet social distancing requirements.

"While this situation is not ideal for anyone, we will continue to work with bereaved families to help them have a meaningful ceremony, including offering live streaming and video recording where available.

"Families who choose to will also be able to have a memorial in the future when other loved ones can attend, and can contribute to our online Humanist Funeral Tribute Archive, a unique opportunity to keep safe the tributes written to celebrate and remember those who have died, accessible to all."

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